OUR TOP FOUR (4) KEYS TO HELP MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ORIENTATION

Before you can hit the ground running in your new travel assignment, you first must go through orientation. After all, no matter how long you’ve been nursing or even travel nursing professionally, you’re a new employee in your chosen facility’s eyes, and that means you have to follow the process.

And while orientation may seem old hat to veteran nurses and travelers, there are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of these sessions. After all, you have to be there anyway, so here’s how to make the best of it.

* THINK APPEARANCE. Your focus is on the work itself, but during your first day or two of orientation, you’ll likely receive your badge, and that means a photo. You don’t want to have any regrets here. In addition, you’ll probably shake more hands during these first two days than at any other point — so make sure you’re happy with the image you present.

* FINALIZE YOUR SCHEDULE. At some time in the orientation process you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your manager. Don’t pass up the chance to finalize your schedule. If you had any time off included in your plan, make sure your manager is on the same page at this meeting. Bringing the matter up later could make it harder/impossible for you to get the time away you were promised.

* ARRIVE EARLY AND ATTENTIVE. You get lost, your badge doesn’t work or you don’t have access to the computer. It happens, so don’t let it derail your orientation period. Try to arrive at least half an hour before your shift during these early days of your new assignment. And while you’re there, take avid notes. These reminders, jotted down, could be invaluable later.

* SAY HI. Your first days of orientation are vital to a successful professional assignment, and they could be just as important for your personal time as well. Say hi and take the time to get to know your fellow travelers or new hires during these orientation classes. You may just find a lifelong friend among them.